Rats are a nightmare at best – they carry diseases, nibble on garbage and sometimes even sneak into your home. But now experts suggest it’s about to get even worse – as these rodents could “sneak a whopping £20,000” off the value of your property.
Despite their small size, the home insurance experts at Quotezone.co.uk claim that these pests can cause quite a bit of damage, all thanks to their incessant chewing habits. It should be noted that a rat’s teeth are constantly growing throughout its life, so gnawing wears them down and reduces pain.
Greg Wilson, the site’s founder and CEO, explained: “As we approach the height of rodent season, it’s important for homeowners to inspect their houses and carry out all necessary maintenance to keep them pest-free. Because rats and mice are fast breeders, infestations can get out of control in no time, so it’s important to perform regular hygiene and maintenance checks to prevent rodents from wreaking havoc on homeowners’ properties and wallets.”
Greg’s thoughts come just months after other experts warned that the rodents are now growing to the size of “small dogs”. Feeding on discarded KFC and our leftover takeaway boxes, the Mirror’s exclusive suggested these pesky creatures are filling up on protein, and their bellies and appetites are only getting bigger.
But when they’re not eating real food, electrical cables and plumbing can seem like a great option for rodents. According to Greg, this can add up to thousands of damages, so it’s crucial to take preventative action before it’s too late.
He continued, “Lack of maintenance can void home insurance and leave homeowners unprotected. To prevent rodents from entering your home, it’s important to thoroughly inspect your building for holes and openings and seal off any entrances for pests. Available food sources to attract them.”
In addition to this, Greg encourages people to clear out any unnecessary clutter from your living space, garage or attic. Scrubbing your litter box and cleaning rubbish from the garden can also help a lot, as rats love smelly but warm places to rest.
“”Smear” or “smear” marks from rubbing their coats in the hallways is usually the first clue [of a rat infestation]”, his advice also suggests. “Pulled holes and torn grocery bags follow.
“One of the most common signs of rats is their droppings, which are dark and pellet-shaped and look like large grains of rice.”
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